Sprain (Muscle Tear) and Strain

What Are Sprains (Muscle Tears) and Strains?

What is the difference between a sprain and strain?

The words sprain and strain are similar, but they're really two different things.

Sprains — occur when you stretch a ligament attached to a joint.

Strains (or torn muscles) — occur when you stretch a muscle too far or put too much pressure on it, such as the calf muscle.

What causes sprains and strains?

Causes and risk factors of sprains and strains may include:

Beginning a rigorous exercise program too quickly.

Continuing to perform physically demanding work when very tired.

Wearing high-heeled shoes or ill-fitting footwear.

Picking up something that is heavy.

Not using proper lifting techniques.

While these types of injuries are common in athletes, they can happen when any of us overuses or over stresses our joints and muscles.

Sprained ligaments and strained muscles become inflamed as your body responds to the injury. This can cause spasms.

Sprain and strain prevention

Regular exercise can reduce your risk of sprains and strains, as is warming up the body before you exercise. The research on stretching before exercise is not conclusive, but many health experts recommend it.

Make an appointment for sprain and strain care

Sprain (Muscle Tear) and Strain Symptoms and Diagnosis

Sprains and strains can happen almost anywhere in your body, including your lower back.

Both can be quite painful.

Symptoms of a sprain

Sprains can happen when a joint twists in an unusual position, or bends too far. For example, an ankle sprain occurs because your ankle has twisted and the ligaments attached around that joint over-stretch.

Symptoms of a sprain include:

Swelling and tenderness of the joint

Bruising

Stiffness

If your joint appears out of place or your symptoms do not go away within a few days, you should see a doctor.

Strain symptoms

Symptoms of a strain may include:

Sudden muscle pain, often as a result of a particular movement or injury

Muscle spasms

Muscle is sore to the touch

Pain sometimes subsides with rest

Reduced strength in affected area

A mild muscle strain may result in some pain and weakness.

Severe muscle strains involve much (or even complete) tearing. People often hear the muscle "pop" when the injury happens. This may result in extreme pain and the inability to use the affected muscle.

A severe muscle strain injury is an emergency. You should see a doctor right away.

Sprain or strain diagnosis

To diagnose a sprain or strain, your doctor will examine the injury and ask questions about how it happened.

He or she will also want to know if you've had the same injury before and any medications you are taking.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

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